Fjell-dverg shake their heads when speaking of hoyland-dveg, residing with halflings, buth there is open dismay when the conversation leads to “ocean” dverg. The very idea of sea-going dverg makes the spire dwarves thank the maker for the stone beneath their feet.

Ven-dverg are accomplished ship-builders and warriors. They are the only sailors willing (some would say thick-headed enough) to pilot the icy waters of the north coasts, but with wide ships and steady sailors,they trade as far south as Oceanwood. Their ships are forged of iceoak, an unusually dense yet bouyant wood found only in Whiteglade north of Varsaavia, and treated with a unique type of magic. Ven-dverg are the fathers of runecasting. Every adult ocean dwarf caries at least one runecrafted item and no ship would sail without a runecaster on board. Ven-dverg ships and buildings are usually rune-covered as well, contributing to a legendary longevity and strength.

Ven-dverg have thick, ruddy skin with course blond hair and moustaches. Many men lack beards. Their crystal blue eyes mirror the ice-capped waters they sail. They dress in thick furs and wool, some of the warmest clothing known to the realm. Ocean dwarves do not fear swimming like their spire dwarf kin, but they respect the sea and recognize that its icy chill can kill even the strongest dwarf in minutes.

Their communities range large and small with frequent festivals and competitions between neighboring clans. All speak a thickly-accented dialect of dverg, and most traders speak the common and/or fae language as well.